Good Health Habits...

...can dramatically reduce the severity of varicose veins and other venous maladies.

There are a number of simple things you can do to lessen the severity of Varicose Veins during pregnancy. And, equally important, the steps detailed below will help to reduce or even help prevent the spread of Varicose Veins after the birth of your baby.  As with any good health program, the first and most important step is a total commitment to yourself to follow the program every day.

"Check List for Healthier Veins and Legs"

Exercise Routinely – Walking is an excellent exercise to improve leg and vein tone as well as strengthening heart function and blood flow. Try 10 to 15 minutes of moderate paced walking 2 to 3 times each day—a total of 30 to 60 minutes a day is ideal.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting and Standing – both put added stress on your legs’ venous system.

• If you must stand for long periods, shift your weight from one foot to the other every few minutes.
• If you must sit for prolonged periods, try to elevate your feet and stretch and rotate your feet and legs every 15 minutes.
• Do Not cross your legs when sitting.
• When traveling in cramped spaces, especially air travel of more than two or three hours, ALWAYS wear graduated compression hosiery to help prevent “Economy Class Syndrome” (deadly Deep Vein Thrombosis).

Eat Properly – A diet rich in high fiber foods—bran cereals, whole grain breads, fresh fruit, and vegetables will help promote regularity…constipation contributes to the development of Varicose Veins.

• Limit your daily salt intake to reduce fluid retention which increases Edema—swelling in the lower legs.
• Keep your weight at approved levels—overweight puts added pressure on your body’s venous system.

Dress Properly – You can look both great and have healthy veins and legs!

• Avoid wearing tight, constricting clothes especially garments that bind and constrict in the groin area and the feet and legs.
• Avoid wearing high heel shoes for long periods—especially when standing.

Wear Graduated Compression Hosiery Daily

Nothing will remove Varicose Veins except surgery! But Graduated Compression Hosiery will help ward off the spread and severity of Varicose Veins and other venous maladies—especially following pregnancy. To gain maximum benefits Graduated Compression Hosiery should be worn daily from waking in the morning until retiring at night. These medically proven stockings are available in all hosiery styles and colors. They are cool and comfortable and should replace your regular hosiery for as long as you wish to avoid venous maladies and Varicose Veins.

Ask Your Doctor – Before undertaking any medical regimen, consult your physician. Give your doctor a clear idea of your concerns, your heredity risk, and your symptoms. Your doctor can help select the style and compression level hosiery for your specific needs.

SPECIAL WARNING -----------------------------

Airline flight can be very dangerous for pregnant women especially in the final trimester.  Consult your physician before booking passage. Pregnancy puts women at greater risk of “Economy Class Syndrome,” a deadly clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis) that can form in the lower leg veins and, in only a matter of 2 to 3 hours, dislodge and move to the lungs causing Pulmonary Thrombosis and instant death. For complete details on this critical venous malady, log on to our web site: www.economyclasssyndrome.net